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New Asst. Chief Has Deep Local Roots

Alfer, 18-year veteran, helped develop McKeesport PD recruitment program

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
December 02, 2024
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

McKeesport police Chief Mark Steele and Mayor Michael Cherepko (right) congratulate new assistant chief Josh Alfer (center) following his promotion. (Tube City Almanac photo)

McKeesport’s new assistant police chief comes from a family with deep local roots, and helped create the department’s program to recruit and train new officers.

Josh Alfer, an 18-year veteran who previously served as the lieutenant in charge of patrol, was appointed second-in-command of the department in November. The position of assistant chief had been vacant since current police Chief Mark Steele was promoted from assistant chief more than a year ago.

Mayor Michael Cherepko said Alfer and other candidates were screened by the personnel committee following civil service testing.

“We had unbelievably qualified candidates, but obviously there comes a time to make a very difficult decision,” Cherepko said, adding that he was confident in Alfer’s abilities.

“He always goes above and beyond what is asked,” the mayor said. “Many of our young police officers were recruited by this individual, and I assure you that he does an incredible job with each and every one.”

Alfer, a native of McKeesport and a graduate of McKeesport Area schools, trained at the Allegheny County Police Academy. He is the brother of former McKeesport police Chief Adam Alfer and the nephew of Senior Magisterial District Judge Tom Brletic, another former police chief.

“I grew up here, I still live here, and my wife and I are raising our kids in this community,” said Alfer, who like his brother also has worked as a youth wrestling coach. He said he thinks that personal connection is important in community policing: “I like that I’m able to engage in conversation with people regularly, rather than just on a call-to-call basis.”

Alfer has served as a lieutenant for eight years and helped the department develop a program to recruit new police officers from local universities, including PennWest California, Robert Morris and Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

“It’s been very rewarding watching young officers turn into mature officers,” he said. “I’m looking forward to helping the department move forward in a positive manner, and I’d like to continue to help the department grow in a positive direction.”

Alfer and his wife have two sons, Chase and Tyler.

Originally published December 02, 2024.

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